A snowdrop in bloom

© Péter Hegedűs/Getty Image

Signs of spring?. A hint of spring

Snowdrops are a welcome sight during the first few months of the year here in the UK. Taken as a sign that the long winter is finally on its way out, they can actually bloom as early as January, when there’s still snow underfoot and quite a bit of winter left to go. Their leaves have specially hardened tips, to help them push through frosty ground. Plant enough bulbs, or come across a naturally occurring patch, and it can look like a light dusting of winter snow has coated the ground. Need a little hope to get you through this last stretch of winter? Look no further than the lovely snowdrop.